On the Beat With Shelby Turnier of the Chicago Bandits 2016

Shelby had an outstanding career at the University of Central Florida. She was named the 2015 American Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year and was also the first All-American in UCF softball history. Among other great stats, she ranks first on the UCF all-time wins list (79) and has the lowest single season ERA (.87). Her career at UCF was capped by being the highest draft pick in UCF history after the Bandits selected her with the 11th overall pick in the 2016 NPF Draft.

So far in this young season, Shelby is 1-1, with a 4.71 ERA in 16 1/3 innings. Shelby also has 12 strikeouts and only four walks.

Along with welcoming Shelby to the Bandits and Chicago, we talked to her about joining the champions and adjusting to the NPF. We also talked about pitching in her native Florida.

Shelby showed real poise and maturity in discussing joining the NPF and not the USSSA Pride. She made some very interesting and refreshing points.

We also talked about seeing Chicago. Shelby has seen "The Bean," unlike her teammate (and yesteday's interview subject Tatum Edwards LOL).

I walked away from the interview with Shelby very impressed by her maturity and character. I am not surprised though. This is what the Bandits do. They bring in talented players with upstanding and outstanding character. Shelby will do well in the league and I look forward to following her progress.

You can head over to ChicagoBandits.com for more info on Shelby and the Bandits. You can also check back here for our continuing coverage. My best advice though, is to go see a game!